The Council

Umbra fought through thick, thorn-ridden weeds, hissing under his breath as they snagged at his incredibly expensive pants leg. Tails persevered through the brush, tugging Umbra by the arm.

As they traveled forward, the temple looming over the horizon grew larger. Rising from the ground several hundred feet, it was constructed from reddish-brown stone. The sides were steepled and decorated with brightly colored banners. At each corner was a stone carving of a coiled snake.

Small merchant stands covered the sandy vicinity of the temple and groups of serpentine children played ball games. The scene was busy but peaceful in Umbra's eyes.

As soon as Tails stepped into sight, his subjects took notice. Like a wave, the serpentine fell to their knees, bowing to their emperor as he passed by. Umbra felt almost awkward walking beside him. Tails seemed just as uncomfortable, grimacing as a merchant grappled at his bare feet.

“My lord!” cried a woman, snatching his pants leg, “You've returned!”

Teeth grit, Tails nodded stiffly.

At the entrance of the temple, three serpentine stood, dressed in golden trimmed robes. An air of superiority surrounded them, and unlike the rest of the serpentine, they did not bow to Tails. Their eyes rested on Tails with contempt.

Tails squeezed Umbra’s arm noticeably harder, the corners of his mouth twitching. A cold bead of sweat fell across Umbra's brow as Tails’s head lowered.

“That's my council,” he whispered, forcing a cheerful tone, “They, um, help me with my royal decisions. The guy in the center is Xantheus, and the other two are Adil and Ridhwaan.” His sharp teeth gnashed into a smile, “They are...valued members of my court.”

He doesn't sound too genuine, Umbra observed, staring at Tails critically. What's going on here?

Tails dropped to one knee before Xantheus, pressing a hand to his chest. “Greetings, council. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

Xantheus did not return his polite greeting, his condescending glare making Tails tremor.

“So, after nearly a week, you finally decide to return to your kingdom, Emperor. May I ask where you were gallivanting and avoiding your duties?” Xantheus growled, raising a thick brow.

Tails touched the tips of his fingers together, his voice dropping to a nervous mumble. “I was, um, taking an excursion to the human realm. To um,” he grabbed Umbra’s arm and shook it at the council, “Get my friend. My best friend. His name is Umbra. Say hi, Umbra.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Umbra murmured quickly, dipping his head.

Xantheus sighed, scowling at Umbra. Shaking his head, he returned his attention to Tails, who had shrunk before him. “You are an idiot, Tailsium.”

“I know, sir,” Tails whispered, keeping his eyes trained on the sand. He dug nervously into the ground with his toes.

“I trust you will not make this blunder again. Go to your room and prepare for dinner. Do not emerge until it is time to eat.”

“Can Umbra eat with us?” Tails squeaked, touching Umbra’s hand. Umbra, who had been entrapped by the scene playing before his eyes, grunted in alarm.

Xantheus rolled his eyes, turning on his heels. The other members of the council followed suit. “I suppose. But I do not wish to hear a word out of the fae.”

As the council disappeared into the temple, Umbra saw pain flicker in Tails’s eyes. Umbra’s expression softened, and he was about to say something, but Tails cut him off.

“Let's, um, get to my room. Follow me.”

Author's Note- sorry for the delay! Ive been lazy lol

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